What valve spring to run? Under a budget
you know that 1st link is just springs, you need the hard wear still for them to work on your LS3 heads. The lunita kit is pretty cheap, and has good springs and parts. But the retainers and heavy steel. If you really have LS3 heads the int valve it big but its light, if you dont want to rev it high they will work.
Thanks to all the good feedback in this forum I have now changed my decision to run LS6 springs. I have found 2 budget friendly options, one from Lunati and one from Trick Flow. Both are Pacaloy beehives (I'm pretty sure they are the same spring) and I can get either for $129. I know there are better springs out there but these are recommended with the 2 cams that I am trying to decide between and I can still reuse my stock retainers.
Heavy steel? They're tool steel. Much lighter weight, almost comparable to titanium, keyword almost, but with MUCH better wear characteristics. For a street car they are perfect.
I agree though; If it's a track # you're after, go titanium. I believe Lunati sells a titanium retainer to go with the kit, but it's of course extra $
I agree though; If it's a track # you're after, go titanium. I believe Lunati sells a titanium retainer to go with the kit, but it's of course extra $
Originally Posted by dr_whigham;16099896 [I
tool [/I]steel. Much lighter weight, almost comparable to titanium, keyword almost, but with MUCH better wear characteristics. For a street car they are perfect.
weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee eeee
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you know that 1st link is just springs, you need the hard wear still for them to work on your LS3 heads. The lunita kit is pretty cheap, and has good springs and parts. But the retainers and heavy steel. If you really have LS3 heads the int valve it big but its light, if you dont want to rev it high they will work.
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Verdad Gallardo It was a LONG PM full of studderin's personal experience.... pretty much the retainers aren't as light as Lunati claims they are, but are fine for a street car that will only see 6500ish..... If you shim them, measure seal room.... I hope he comes in here and let's you guys know. He has first hand experience.
no dont PM me.
PM dr_whigham 
haha
WEEEEEee is joking, somone needs to weight stuff yourself its NOT what you read on the internet.
This site is full of stupid things, that keep getting brought up
steel and Ti weights.... just Google that, Wikki or some science website ???
better wear? when are retainers wearing out????
PM dr_whigham WEEEEEee is joking, somone needs to weight stuff yourself its NOT what you read on the internet.
This site is full of stupid things, that keep getting brought upsteel and Ti weights.... just Google that, Wikki or some science website ???
better wear? when are retainers wearing out????
Last edited by studderin; Mar 22, 2012 at 09:32 PM.
I posted the weights here, there not lightweight, or close to Ti, but they are cheap :L
https://ls1tech.com/forums/dynamomet...nly-setup.html
https://ls1tech.com/forums/dynamomet...nly-setup.html
Joined: Aug 2007
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From: Turnin' Wrenches Infractions: 005
Nice to see the actual weight difference. Does this make a crap on a street car spinning to 6500. My bet would be not enough to matter. If someone was planning to spin to 7k or up, they shouldn't be buying the cheapest double spring kit on the market IMO.
Holy ****. That's QUITE a difference!
I'm going to agree with Red on this though and say it prob won't matter at all on a street car. Hell, I think you're on your second set anyways..... If there were issues I'm sure you would have already told us.
I sent an email to Lunati yesterday to try and find out of they even had a Ti retainer that can be bought to "upgrade" this kit. They don't at this time, as per Shane Pochon @ Lunati.
I need 155# on the seat though for my cam Ed spec'd for me, so it's between these Lunati's, or PRC .675's. Hell, for 150 bucks more I get the Ti retainers. Paired with 11/32's Manton pushrods I'd imagine I'd have a pretty damned stable valve train.
I'm curious though as to the longevity of PRC's .675's. We all know the Lunati's last at least 25k.
Joined: Aug 2007
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From: Turnin' Wrenches Infractions: 005
My combo typically shifts between 6250-6450 on stock rockers/valves. I think the combo is at its safe limits. I would not try and knock on 7ks door by any means. Obviously based on the weight difference, the Ti retainer would be needed in that case.
There 20 other things but weight.... I should say mass. Lower is better on top of the valve, but other things matter too. Are the seat and open spring pressure, And the range you install (height) of them within its coil bind. Rocker ratio, rocker nose mass. Lifter lash, push rod deflection (it could help), valve weight, intake pressure (boost), exhaust pressure, heat, oil.
You could do everything "right" buy the latest and greats new spring kit, with Ti retainers. Just toss the kit dry on your heads, like everyone dose. With no idea how close they are to coil bind. Or different from valve to valve in the machining differences. And dyno or test drive right after. And have them fail out just be down 25-40 pounds on the seat after 25K miles.
Or on the same engine (cam) have the same springs with heavier retainers. But setup right, so the spring can work better and easier. And It might only loose 10pounds after 25K miles
